What are the requirements for filing my dependent's tax return?

Unearned income. Includes taxable interest, dividends and capital gain distributions
Earned income. Includes wages, tips and taxable scholarships/fellowships.
If unearned income is $750 or less, file return if gross income is more than:
2002 2003
Single $4,700 $4,750
Single, 65 or blind $5,850 $5,900
Single, 65 and blind $7,000 $7,050
Married * $3,925 $3,975
Married*, 65 or blind $4,825 $4,925
Married*, 65 and blind $5,725 $5,875
 
   
* Note: Married dependents must also file if gross income is $5 or more and spouse itemizes deductions on a separate return.
If unearned income is more than $750, file return if gross income is more than:
2002 2003
Single $750 $750
Single, 65 or blind $1,900 $1,900
Single, 65 and blind $3,050 $3,050
Married * $750 $750
Married*, 65 or blind $1,650 $1,700
Married*, 65 and blind $2,550 $2,650
 
Exception for children under the age of 14. If a child is required to file a return, parents may elect to report child's income on their return if the child:
1) Was under age 14 on January 1, 2004
2) Had income only from interest and dividends (including Alaska Permanent Fund dividends and capital gain distributions),
3) Had a gross income of less than $7,500, and
4) Had no federal income tax withheld and did not make estimated tax payments for 2003
File Form 8814, Parent's Election to Report Child's Interest and Dividends, as part of the parent's return. If this election is made, the child does not have to file a return. If the parents are not filing a join return, special rules apply to determine which parent may make the election. See form 8814 for details.